How to restore wiper blades

Written by jennifer hudock| 13/05/2017

Maintain windscreen wiper blades to prolong their life. (VvoeVale/iStock/Getty Images)

Fully functioning wiper blades are essential for keeping your windscreen clear and free of debris, especially during bad weather. While windscreen wiper blades will always become worn from use and eventually you will need to replace them, there are a few tricks you can employ to keep your wiper blades in top condition, get the most life out of them, and save yourself a little money on replacement blades.

Inspect your wiper blades to see if they have hardened over time. While inspecting them, look for cracks or dings in the rubber. Blades that have cracks or dings will need to be replaced completely or you will not get adequate use out of them.

Soften hardened blades by soaking a cotton cloth in white vinegar and rubbing the vinegar along the blade. Allow the vinegar to seep into the blades for five to 10 minutes.

Soak a second cotton cloth in warm water and run the warm water cloth along the length of the blade to clean the vinegar away. Blades will be softened, allowing them to perform better in rain and snow.

Keep blades soft by coating them with a wiper blade treatment. Soft blades will glide across your windscreen smoothly, providing clearer viewing conditions when driving in rain, sleet or snow.

Maintain your blades and help them last longer by avoiding using them to de-ice your windshield. Regularly clean your windscreen with a squeegee to get rid of hardened debris that can damage and crack the rubber of your windshield wipers.

Tip

Even properly caring for and restoring your blades will not maintain them forever. Changing your blades when they become cracked is necessary for safe driving.

Tips and warnings

Even properly caring for and restoring your blades will not maintain them forever. Changing your blades when they become cracked is necessary for safe driving.